What is the best way to breast feed pump or breast ?

Stina - posted on 07/31/2009

breast feed with your breast all the way! :-) It's easier, more sanitary, and the skin to skin is very good for the baby. pumps are good if you need help upping your supply and if for some reason you are unable to feed your baby for a while (my firstborn spent his first month in the hospital and started life with a feeding tube so I pumped and had a feezer of milk.) but as soon as baby can BF, that is the best way.

Pumping can also afford you a little more time away from baby now and than since someone else can give her a bottle.

Pandora - posted on 07/31/2009

I totally agree...I pump in the morning on one side just to have some stocked in the freezer,and nurse the rest of the day.There's nothing better than snuggling up with your nursing baby and feeling that bond.A pump doesn't even come close to doing what a baby can do when it comes to milk production too.

Ashley - posted on 07/30/2009

I completely agree with everyone. I would only pump if necessary when the baby can't nurse. I only pump at work which is only 3 days a week and he nurses on demand the rest of the time and it has still effected my milk supply. Plus, the 2 best things about nursing around the physical bond with your baby and the convenience and ease of not having to make a bottle.

Sabrina - posted on 07/30/2009

From my experience things went better when I breastfed exclusively without pumping. And there is no need to worry about if baby is not getting enough. As long as baby is growing and thriving then everything is ok. But if baby is not gaining weight then steps should be taken to make sure things are ok. But like the other moms said the bond cannot be compared to anything else when you BF. I love being able to do something for them that noone else can. And its a special time you get to spend together. But if there is a need to pump then that is ok too. But not worht all the extra work if you are available.

Katie - posted on 07/30/2009

Let me tell you about my experience I've done both. I have two girls and two completely different situations. When i had my first daughter Liberty I tried to do the whole nursing thing I ended up with scabs that bled everytime she nursed. I went to get help from a lactation specailst who then told me I wouldn't be able to nurse saying i had flat nipples or something. I pumped for three and a half months. This was so hard especially when she was brand new I would pump and fall back asleep for 15 minutes and she would be up again to eat then pump. Like the hardest thing I've ever done. With my second daughter Jerzey I tried again, had a better lactation specialist and I nursed for nine and a half months. It was so much easier and rexaling for me and Jerzey, than with Liberty. Liberty ended up always having ear infections and being sick. Jerzey is 18 months old and has only had one antibiotic. I think you will have a better chance nursing for a longer period of time if you just nurse. However you can use a pump to store away milk. But no bottles or binkys for the first six weeks.. Trust me this helps so much. You don't want to be switching the shapes of things in their mouths at this stage they need to learn about you first.. I wish you all the best with your nursing experience, they aren't little very long.

Sinead - posted on 07/30/2009

The only really efficient way to get breastmilk out of a breast is by baby. Breastfeeding has been developed by our bodies and our babies for millenia, but breast pumps are a new invention! Personally I find breastpumps to be uncomfortable and cumbersome, even painful. I do have a breastpump, but after using it a few times I decided I hate it and will hand pump if I ever need to go somewhere I leave some milk for someone else to feed the baby. If your baby has plenty of energy, plenty of wet/dirty nappies and is developing well I don't see the need to worry that she's not getting enough milk as she obviously is!

Kirsten - posted on 07/30/2009

I agree with the other posters, breastfeeding is much more convenient and faster. And the added cuddle time is awesome, especially as the start to get older and don't want to be held except at nursing time. I wanted to add that if you're worried if she's getting enough there are several other ways to check. Make sure she has at least 6 wet diapers in 24 hours; check that her soft spot is not visibly depressed; be sure that the inside of her bottom lip is moist and smooth to the touch. If these things are all true and she's gaining weight then you'll know she's getting enough.

Dana - posted on 07/30/2009

Exclusivly pumping will shorten the length of time you produce milk. One of the great things about breastfeeding is the convenience, pumping to only turn around and feed by bottle takes that away. Just like others have said, sitting down and breastfeeding your child is a perfect time for you to just relax with your child. When they're older and crawling around and getting into stuff it's nice to have that time. Also, if they get used to a bottle nipple only, then you won't be able to use your breasts as comfort. Breastmilk acts as a natural form of pain relief. There have been times when my son got hurt when learning to cruise or shots at the doctors office and I've latched him on to breastfeed to calm down. Alot easier and quicker to bust out (no pun intended) then to get a bottle make sure it's warm or to pump as quickly as you can. Doing both is okay also if you have to go back to work. If not, breastfeeding is best and pumping here and there to keep up a supply in your freezer if you like.

Heather - posted on 07/30/2009

Pumping and then feeding the baby the pumped breastmilk is a lot of extra work. Your breasts are designed to feed the baby and do it most efficiently. The breastmilk has the same nutritional benefits whether it comes in a bottle or straight from the breast, but if you pump, you miss out on the closeness and bonding. If you have trouble at the beginning, stick with it! I breastfed all three of my kids and loved it, but with my last little guy, I struggled with terrible cracked nipples and bleeding for weeks and was ready to give up. I hung in there, though, and sought help from the lactation consultant. I'm so glad I did. I nursed him for 15 months and he is so healthy and smart. It is so much more convenient to just breastfeed.

Mandy - posted on 07/30/2009

no pump will ever do what your baby will. Your breasts need your baby's suckle and the skin to skin to keep your milk supply up. It is possible to pump exclusively but don't count on doing it for very long, and you'll have to invest in a good hospital grade pump.

Breastfeeding is not just about the milk either. It's about bonding and comfort. When a baby nurses a chemical is released that help them relax, and also reduce pain.

Samantha - posted on 07/30/2009

Hey..... I personally prefer to breastfeed due to the bond that we get and it relaxes both of us... Its our time together and i dont want anything to get into that time. I do breast pump tho because i am not a full time mom at home. So i pump so that she can have it whenever she wants to eat... So Both is okay.... and its great.......